SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — A three-day sting operation in Shelbyville resulted in 11 arrests and the rescue of an infant from sexual abuse.
The investigation took place in March, targeting child sex offenders attempting to exploit children online.
According to Shelby County Prosecutor Brad Landwerlen, the operation was a collaborative effort involving 75 officers and 21 local, state, and federal agencies, which included undercover officers who posed as minors while chatting with the suspects online.
Most of the suspects traveled to Shelbyville with the expectation of engaging in sexual activity. One suspect was arrested after traveling to the area with the intent to trade meth for sexual favors with an adult.
During the sting, officers also identified and rescued a baby from sexual abuse. Landwerlen says the child is currently safe and receiving care.
This marked the first large-scale investigation for the Shelby County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and set a record for the most arrests in such a sting, surpassing the previous record of eight.
The people arrested include a diverse group of backgrounds, including an Indianapolis-based securities law attorney and an undocumented immigrant. Several of the suspects have prior histories involving child sex crimes.
Ten of the arrests occurred within Shelbyville, while one suspect was apprehended in Clinton County.
Below is a list of the suspects and their charges:
- John Altman, 27, from Logansport.
- Attempted child molestation.
- Child solicitation.
- Robert Bland, 34, from Indianapolis.
- Dealing in methamphetamine.
- Dealing in cocaine.
- Making an unlawful proposition.
- Resisting law enforcement.
- Jackson Renaker, 36, of Covington, Kentucky.
- Frederick Walsh, 39, of Bloomington.
- Brandon Stephens, 36, of Indianapolis.
- Darren Stephens, 35, of Greenwood.
- Michael Shelton, 73, of Shelbyville.
- Daniel Martin, 47, of Oakwood, Ohio.
- Conspiracy to commit sexual misconduct with a minor.
- Fernando Coronado-Olivares, 25, with no known address.
- James Klimek, 58, of Indianapolis.
An additional suspect arrested in the sting is only facing charges in Clinton County.
